Simple Lentil Dal

Are you one of those people who has inspirational post-its taped to your computer monitor?  Do you write weird random messages to yourself?  I ask because I am one of those people.  

My co-workers are already used to many of my weird habits:  my giant green smoothies for breakfast,  how I have to talk out loud as I write my emails, my growing forest of office plants... I could go on, but I will spare myself the embarrassment.  

My most recent addition to my post-it monitor collection is a rather simple, strange message:  Eat more dal.  You're worth it.  Very true.

Dal is a thick lentil stew cooked with spices that is traditionally eaten in India.  It is one of my favorite dishes and is the perfect hearty, protein-rich meal.  Dal goes well with rice, vegetables, and flat-bread for an easy meal – perfect for any weeknight dinner or a Sunday supper.  If you are looking for simple comfort food and a nourishing dish then this dal is for you.  You're worth it. 

Simple Lentil Dal 
Serves 4 - 6

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced
1 cup yellow lentils
1 cup grey-green lentils
1 bay leaf
1 cinnamon stick
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon cumin
2 Tablespoons tomato paste
4.5 cups vegetable broth
cilantro for garnish (optional)
salt and pepper to taste (if desired)

Add the olive oil to a pot over medium heat.  Add the onions and sauté for 2 minutes.  Add the garlic and ginger and sauté for an additional minute.  Add the lentils, bay leaf, cinnamon stick, turmeric, cumin, tomato paste, and broth.  Bring to a boil and then lower heat to a simmer.  Let cook for 20 - 30 minutes, until lentils are tender.  Remove the bay leaf and cinnamon stick. Garnish with cilantro and serve warm.